How often does sports broadcaster Dan Patrick hope that Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick changes his name back to Danny Goeb so the confusion ends? Probably every time Texas' Patrick tweets something really dumb. Like he did this week.

Every month, the Chronicle’s film critics select a theme and offer movie recommendations. To get ready for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens juggernaut, we’ve picked some gems starring cast members old and new.

laV gets into the holiday spirit, Supper Friends hosts a dynamic duo, and more local bites.

Québécois filmmaker Xavier Dolan had a a banner year in 2014.

Emmer & Rye Butter up, Lonesome Dove and Searsucker get happy, Juliet flies to the moon, and more afternoon bites.

The court case centered on the Jumpolin piñata store – a longtime Eastside fixture before its demolition by new property owners – has been settled. But details on that settlement aren’t forthcoming.

Native Austinite Eve Monsees, 32, relishes running Antone’s Record Shop. “I used to go there when I was first starting to play. I learned so much just by setting foot in the door, and it really is an honor to keep it going.” The co-owner and her band squeeze in among the racks Sunday, 3pm, to promote their new disc, You Know She Did.

December is off to a wet and chilly start, but the Christmas lights are still burning brightly.

A small but enthusiastic crowd turned out at the Paramount Theatre in Austin on Sunday evening to hear a presentation by John Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, otherwise known as the Fabulous Beekman Boys of reality television fame.